The monkey's expression flickered—satisfaction mixed with something resembling concern. Not for its fallen ally, but for implications beyond immediate combat.
"One dies, ten replace it," the creature replied, though its tone lacked earlier conviction.
"Then I'll kill those ten as well."
Their deadly dance continued, neither capable of decisive strikes, both too injured for sustained offence. Around them, the wider battle raged with decreasing intensity as monster forces fragmented without coordinated leadership.
...
The behemoth's situation deteriorated as time passed.
Ethan's accumulated strikes had damaged it.
Armour that had seemed impenetrable now showed spiderweb fractures where repeated strikes had taken their toll.
Time to end this. The behemoth is longer as threatening, I can now attack without worrying about my life.
Ethan combined three talents simultaneously. The synergy created capabilities beyond their individual usage.
